Exclusive interview

Sosa: ‘It was a really great feeling’

Created on 10-12-2007 at 00:00 AM

José Ernesto Sosa rates as the unluckiest player of the season so far: after impressing in pre-season training, the Argentine newcomer spent weeks on the sidelines with ankle and back problems. Instead of supplying quality possession to the likes of Franck Ribéry, Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni, the gifted midfielder found himself battling to remain on the first team radar.

By way of a silver lining to the cloud, the 22-year-old has had plenty of time to settle into his new life in Munich. “He’s the best in terms of learning German,“ Ottmar Hitzfeld noted. The General has predicted an important role for Sosa in the second half of the season. “He has the potential and the mentality to make the breakthrough. He’s a fighter.“

With the mid-season break looming, Sosa finally picked up 90 minutes of match practice last Saturday with a first senior start at the Allianz Arena against MSV Duisburg. fcbayern.de caught up with him afterwards.

Interview: José Ernesto Sosa

fcbayern.de: José, how was your first starting appearance in front of your home crowd?José Ernesto Sosa: “Very good. In the first instance, I’m just delighted I had the chance to play. I was totally fired up and motivated, I really wanted to start my first match at home. To be completely honest, it was a really great feeling.“

fcbayern.de: Unfortunately, the result wasn’t what you would have wanted. What’s your take on the goalless draw with Duisburg?Sosa: “Obviously, it’s not the result we were hoping for, we were at home and it’s a match we could have won. But that’s how it goes sometimes. What matters is that we continue to work hard and improve. We’re still top of the league, and I’m certain we’ll do better next time out.“

fcbayern.de: Why do you think the match ended in a draw?Sosa: “It’s the same as it always is. Teams come here with no ambitions other than to defend and deny us space. It’s difficult to get your shots away. And we didn’t make the most of the chances we had. It’s as simple as that.“

fcbayern.de: How would you rate your chances of a start against Hertha Berlin?Sosa: “I always believe I have a chance of playing, especially as I’m feeling really good at the moment. Obviously, I know I’m short of match practice and rhythm. But it’s important to know the players and the coaching staff believe in me, and that’s definitely the case.“